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A compression fracture is a collapse of a vertebra. It may be due to trauma or due to a weakening of the vertebra (compare with burst fracture). This weakening is seen in patients with osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta, lytic lesions from metastatic or primary tumors, [1] or infection. [2]
The thoracic spine begins at the base of the neck and extends to the middle of the trunk. Any pain in this area is considered "middle back pain". [2] The exact symptoms associated with middle back pain will depend upon the underlying cause. Most middle back pain is not serious in nature.
As the two vertebrae above and below the affected disc begin to collapse upon each other, the facet joints at the back of the spine are forced to shift which can affect their function. [7] Additionally, the body can react to the closing gap between vertebrae by creating bone spurs around the disc space in an attempt to stop excess motion. [8]
The most common location is the midthoracic vertebrae, especially the eighth (T8). [6] Neurologic signs result from severe angulation of the spine, narrowing of the spinal canal, instability of the spine, and luxation or fracture of the vertebrae. Signs include rear limb weakness or paralysis, urinary or fecal incontinence, and spinal pain. [5]
The last decade of studies on Modic changes have shown that Modic changes are associated with many treatment-resistant pain episodes and may result in patients entering a state of chronic low back pain. On average, individuals with Modic changes have had chronic pain for longer than individuals suffering from non-Modic changes back pain. [9] [10]
Anterior spinal artery syndrome is the most common form of spinal cord infarction. [1] The anterior spinal cord is at increased risk for infarction because it is supplied by the single anterior spinal artery and has little collateral circulation, unlike the posterior spinal cord which is supplied by two posterior spinal arteries.
Back pain (Latin: dorsalgia) is pain felt in the back. It may be classified as neck pain (cervical), middle back pain (thoracic), lower back pain (lumbar) or coccydynia (tailbone or sacral pain) based on the segment affected. [1] The lumbar area is the most common area affected. [2]
In some, the x-ray findings may correspond to symptoms of back stiffness with flexion/extension or with mild back pain. [2] Back pain or stiffness may be worse in the morning. [4] Rarely, large anterior cervical spine osteophytes may affect the esophagus or the larynx and cause pain, difficulty swallowing [5] [6] or even dyspnea. [7]